Long & McQuade

I’ve been going to this store since before it was L&M. It was once known as «Keen Craft Music «. I can’t remember when it was taken over by L&M but it didn’t matter to me because it got even better. Since 1986 I’ve bought 5 drum kits, various drum hardware, cymbals, a few guitars, rented just about everything you’d need for performing with a band and I’m still going there for everything. The staff have always been good to me. The best reason that I can give for choosing to only deal with this particular store is of a personal nature which I don’t mind sharing. It was December 1999 and my old band mates got together to do some gigs. I hadn’t played drums in some time and due to financial hardship a few years earlier, I had sold my drum kit. They asked me to re-​join and start rehearsals which was cool but I didn’t have a kit. I borrowed a kit from a friend to get started but as our gigs were approaching, I needed my own. I went to Mother’s Music and attempted to finance a set but was turned down. When I asked the finance guy why, he angrily stated «because we don’t sell to people like you ! «. I was embarrassed and angry. He based his decision on my credit history which was perfect up until a few years earlier when I lost my job and wound up in financial hardship before getting a new job and getting back on track. Since they turned me down and based on the reason given, I thought it was hopeless. The next week I went to Long & McQuade. (thinking I’d be turned away again but I gave it a shot anyway) I dealt with the drum guy, picked out what I needed to get me started and then applied for the financing. With in minutes I was approved !!! I gave them a down payment and financed the rest over a 12 month period which I payed off. I remember asking to speak to the finance guy shortly after I got the drum kit home because I wanted to thank him. I was eventually able to chat with him at the store. He’s a really busy guy named Cliff. I thanked him and asked why he chose to go ahead with the financing when Mother’s wouldn’t have touched me with a 3 meter cattle prod. He said simply that I had been a long time customer and he felt I was deserving of a fare shake. I went to Mother’s originally because I actually thought they’d finance me and L&M would not ! (Ha !) What can I say, I have given them all my business ever since. They generally have lower prices than other stores and are always willing to give you a deal on something. It’s kind of poetic justice for me personally when I found out Mother’s was taken over by L&M. I can’t vouch for the other locations because I only go to this one but you be the judge.
That is all.

Excellent Customer Service!
I got my first guitar here (Yamaha FG) last Summer and the rep is eager to help and show different acoustic within my budget, with that after a few months upgraded to Taylor GS Mini and been happy ever since, I recommend this place for musicians or to anyone who want to procure an instrument.

Long and McQuade is a massive music store. I have dealt with their school band section and it is excellent. Their staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. They will order in whatever you need. They are very willing to work with schools to accommodate their music programs.

The 107ave store might lack the elbow room of the newer downtown location but the staff and customer service experience at this store are top notch.
On my two back to back trips to this store I was treated with courtesy and respect and really appreciate the «no problem» attitude from the sales person who was helping me pick out a guitar.
Had a guitar set-​up here as well. It was done in just a couple of days and the tech really knew what he was doing. Picked the perfect strings for me and set the action up flawlessly.
I tend to go to whichever store shows it has stock of what I’m looking for according to the website, but all things being equal this location is my first choice.

It is the only place in the city where I can find a decent Fender Telecaster. The staff knows what they are talking about, absolutely no pressure, but if you want a hand they’ll jump to help you. They’ll even let you play Stairway. But we all know not to!

My experience with Long and McQuade have varied to extremes. To start with the positive side; it is the only location I know of that sells my brand of strings in copious packs. The section (although small) of used pedals leave some kind of hope to find something scarce I want. This example was one small system that no one else even knew existed, so it was to my surprise that I found what I wanted there.
On the negative side, and you who read this has my honest word with nothing more, for what that may be worth. The product knowledge I have endured from the select members of the staff have been nil to embarrassing. For example: I asked if there was a type of passive EMG pickups I could order. The sales person simply said they do not exist. I now currently own two H4’s and a «H1A Hot Rod» I have purchased from other sources.
Finally was the time my brother-​in-​law wished to purchase his first off the shelf guitar and asked me to help him pick one out. With $ 600 in his pocket we made our way there. I selected one guitar, picked it up and as it passed my personal first test we asked the clerk if we could try it on an amplifier. We were told to place the guitar back and leave the store. I assured the man we were paying costumers, but he repeated his demand and we complied. I have relived this many times in my mind and come up with no reason for hostility. I wish I handled it more assertively but this is how it happened. My brother-​in-​law was quick to forgive and returned a few years later and bought a different guitar. As for myself, Long and McQuade will always by my last resort, including pawn shops.
The quality of their products is without question stellar. My grievances lie with the select individuals who stand behind the counter.

I used to work here for a period of 5 years. I’m a bit biased, but also very informed of how Edmonton’s music stores work. Here, you will find NON-​COMMISSIONED sales staff. I don’t even like calling them sales staff. They’re more like your personal gear agent or something. I loved the relationships I built with my customers. Long after I quit, I’m still friends with many. These people know and USE the gear. And their financing and rentals are untouchable. Go here. Play stuff and you won’t here «buy it or leave «.

I was surprised to find out that Long & McQuade is the largest retailer in Canada for musical instruments (according to their website of course). This surprised me cause I had never heard of it before. I know right?
It is actually a pretty impressive music store. While most music stores carry just the popular instruments (guitars, drums, pianos) this store could help you put together an orchestra. They carry all types of wood, brass, strings and wind instruments. Ya I haven’t heard those terms since Grade 6 music class either. It was nice to be reminded that other instruments exist in a day where everything on the radio sounds the same and sounds like it only uses 2 instruments.
Oh and you can also rent instruments from here if you aren’t ready to make a full commitment just yet.

Long and McQuade is a very established name in musical instruments and sound equipment. The only location in Edmonton, the store is huge, with sections for guitars, keyboards, drums, and sound stuff, as well as all the accessories you can imagine. The staff is also extremely busy, so you might have to wait a bit to get service if you need to speak with someone. As well, if you are bringing in an instrument for a repair, you may not see it again for a while, unless it is something they sold you and is still under warranty. I brought in a guitar that needed a repair, but was told it would be at least a month before I would get it back because of all the warranty work they do.
I have purchased a high-​end guitar here, and the sales staff were very knowledgeable and helped me make the right choice. I also purchased a portable recording device, and again the sales staff helped out a lot. There is a tech department on site, and the selection of everything is fabulous. Any serious musician needs to check out Long and McQuade.

This music store is well-​known with serious musicians. The store is cluttered but full of top knotch equipment and the staff is serious about the business of music. They’re knowledgeable and personable. Music stores are so competitive they all pretty much have the same prices within a percent or two, so there’s not much room for bargaining. What sets this place apart is their long history as one of the best music stores around and experienced sales staff. The guys who work here aren’t 18-​year-​old Battle-​of-​the-​banders, they’re generally experienced musicians.

Practically everyone I know sends their instruments for repair at Long & McQuade, patronizes the shop for amp, PA and microphone rentals, leases guitars from here, and generally relies on them for all music needs more serious than simply guitar strings or sheet music. The service has always been great — my last purchase was just a patch cord, but I had no idea what the difference was between one type and another, beyond that the ends were shaped a little different. The salesperson explained to me why one was more prone to breaking, and I left with a patch cord that has served me well ever since. The employees seem to be longtime musicians and many play in bands around the city, so you can be sure they know what they’re talking about.